I've been here for 12 years and then disaster struck - I had a random accident in 2013 causing a head injury, which affected my memory and wiped out most of my French. So I had to start learning all over again. It certainly makes being here alone a lot more difficult.

That sounds bad. Are you recovered now? I remember even at school ( long time ago!) I just couldn't grasp another language - seems that has followed me! It's frustrating because I truly want to learn it!